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Judith Leiber

Judith Leiber, renowned for revolutionising the luxury handbag industry, is celebrated for her iconic minaudières. Small, decorative evening bags encrusted with crystals and crafted into playful shapes. Her designs, adored by celebrities, royalty, and First Ladies, became symbols of elegance and creativity.

Born in Budapest in 1921, Judith survived the horrors of WWII, enduring forced confinement in a ghetto due to her Jewish heritage. After the war, she pursued her passion for craftsmanship, becoming the first woman to join the Hungarian Handbag Guild. In 1947, she moved to the US with her husband, Gerson Leiber, and later founded her own brand in 1963.

Leiber transformed handbags into wearable art by using Austrian crystals, Italian leather, and intricate hand-painting techniques. Her minaudières, shaped into whimsical forms like animals and fruits, redefined luxury. High society figures, including every First Lady from Mamie Eisenhower to Hillary Clinton, embraced her designs.

Although the company was sold in 1993, Leiber continued to influence fashion until her retirement in 1998. She passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that remains a symbol of resilience, artistry, and high fashion. Her pieces are now displayed in prestigious collections like the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.